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2009 Community Benefits Information For SH-SMH, HYMC, and MMG-Northern Region

2009 Community Benefits Information For SH-SMH, HYMC, and MMG-Northern Region

Catholic Health Care has its origins in a faith-based response to the health care needs of the poor and other vulnerable people. Each year, Ministry Health Care organizations contribute thousands of hours and millions of dollars of health care services to our local communities. This commitment and dedication makes Ministry Health Care organizations agents of change in the effort to achieve the common good for the communities they serve and society. Community benefit programs go beyond the normal health care services and are intended to help meet needs of local communities with a focus on services to the poor and underserved.

In fiscal year 2009, Sacred Heart-Saint Mary’s Hospitals community benefit expenses and contributions totaled $13,615,950. Following is a breakdown of this total:

$11,543,000 for unpaid costs of Medicare and Medicaid

$1,797,000 worth of free and discounted hospital care

$238,364 in support for community programs and special projects

$37,586 to support education and research related activities

Howard Young Health Care, which includes Howard Young Medical Center and Eagle River Memorial Hospital, community benefit expenses and contributions totaled $14,801,858. Following is a breakdown of this total:

$13,062,000 for unpaid costs of Medicare and Medicaid

$1,288,000 worth of free and discounted hospital care

$401,618 in support for community programs and special projects

$50,240 to support education and research related activities

Ministry Medical Group-Northern Region community benefit expenses and contributions totaled $12,827,839. Following is a breakdown of this total:

$11,312,200 for unpaid costs of Medicare and Medicaid

$1,496,813 worth of free and discounted clinic care

$6,407 in support for community programs and special projects

$12,419 to support education and research related activities

“Not only does our care and commitment to a healthy community happen inside our hospital and clinic walls,” shared Monica Hilt, Northern Region Chief Executive Officer. “Ministry Health Care employees keep patients first in everything they do by living the mission to ‘further the healing ministry of Jesus by continually improving the health and well being of all people, especially the poor, in the communities we serve.’ Our staff is committed to helping the community in many ways, lending a hand for those most in need.”

At minimum, four times each year, Ministry Health Care leaders provide “hands on” service to the underserved. In 2009, local leadership at Sacred Heart-Saint Mary’s Hospitals, Howard Young Health Care and Ministry Medical Group committed more than 875 hours of service. Time was volunteered with food pantries, senior centers, Habitat for Humanity, and other community organizations.

Annually the wide array of benefits provided to the Northwoods communities through Ministry’s Community Benefits Program is substantial. However, this vast community benefit is often not understood by key audiences or the public. For more information regarding Sacred Heart-Saint Mary’s Hospital or Ministry Medical Group contact Jodi Hanson Public Relations & Communication Manager at 715-361-2874 and for information regarding Howard Young Health Care contact Jennifer Kaminski, Public Relations & Communication Manager at 715-356-8368.